Overview & Reviews

The Kia Rio has traditionally been this Korean automaker's least expensive model. Early on, the Rio represented an affordable, though pretty forgettable, mode of transportation. The second-generation model represented a marked improvement in features and comfort, and the Rio became more pleasant to drive. The latest Rio is another leap forward thanks to its evocative styling, peppy engine and an abundance of interior space.

The Kia Rio is offered in both sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. They have identical mechanicals and interior components, though the hatchback offers significantly more utility. In general, the newer the Rio you're looking at, the better it will be.

Current Kia Rio
The Kia Rio subcompact is available as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback. There are three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque powers all Rio models. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, with a six-speed automatic optional. Both the EX and SX come only with the six-speed automatic.

Notable standard features on the base LX include air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and a stereo with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. The EX adds full power accessories, Bluetooth, cruise control and a telescoping steering wheel. The SX comes pretty loaded with alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a rearview camera, power-folding mirrors and Kia's "Uvo" voice-activated interface for electronics features. Major options include a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, leather seating, heated front seats and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've noted that the Kia Rio stands out thanks to its distinctive styling and design. The interior quality is a cut above other cars in its class, particularly in the upper trim levels. On the road, the Rio's engine provides respectable acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The car does have a couple minor downsides, such as an overly firm ride quality for the SX trim level. Overall, however, the Kia Rio is a front runner in the economy car segment.

Used Kia Rio Models
Completely redesigned for 2012, the third-generation Kia Rio represents a large leap forward in terms of refinement and available luxury features. Compared to earlier Rios, it's roomier and more stylish both inside and out. It's also more powerful and fuel-efficient. There have been only minimal changes since its debut.

Previous to this was the second-generation Kia Rio, produced from 2006-'11. It was offered as a sedan and four-door hatchback (called the Rio5). The base model was restricted to the sedan and was the definition of "sparsely equipped." Both body styles were offered in LX trim (which added air-conditioning, power steering, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player), while a sporty SX trim added alloy wheels and special styling items.

Power for all second-generation Kia Rios came from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 110 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. Despite the Rio's tiny dimensions, this engine struggled to provide anything more than adequate motivation in everyday driving. Models with five-speed manual transmissions delivered better acceleration and city fuel economy, while the automatic fared better in regard to highway mileage.

Initially, the SX trim was exclusive to the Rio5 hatchback. For 2007, the Rio sedan SX was introduced, while the Rio5 could be had in LX form for 2008. Models prior to 2010 had slightly different styling depending on trim, while cruise control and Bluetooth were added to the available features list that year. Antilock brakes were available as a highly recommended option on the LX sedan and the Rio5 SX, which replaced the standard rear drums with disc brakes. The five-speed manual transmission was standard on all trims, with a four-speed automatic being optional. For 2011, the manual transmission was only available on the LX.

The Rio's interior was pretty nice, with a pleasant mix of materials. The car also drove reasonably well. Buyers should be aware that the Rio has had some disappointing crash test scores. On the whole, a 2006-'11 Kia Rio is a decent choice for an inexpensive car, though some competing subcompacts from Japan will likely prove more enjoyable overall.

The first-generation Kia Rio was introduced for the 2001 model year. The sedan came first and Kia followed up with the Rio Cinco hatchback for 2002. Both were among the least expensive cars in their classes. Unfortunately, the trade-off was limited feature content and a thoroughly unpleasant driving experience.

Based on reviews by our editors and Rio owners, the car delivered what its price promised -- simple, affordable transportation, but little more. Complaints centered on its noisy, unrefined engine, poorly controlled ride and shoddy build quality. Although the Rio's low residual value makes it convincingly cheap on the used market, this is not a car we can recommend. If you are determined to buy a used Kia Rio, it's best to go with a 2003 or newer model, as these benefited from a more powerful engine (104 hp versus 96), an improved suspension and a higher-quality interior.

User Reviews:

• 

  Will Never Buy Another Kia - 2009 Kia Rio
  By deheeren - June 4 - 7:59 pm

  I bought this car new in 2009 and today the cars second transmission failed. The car has 151,541 miles on it. The car has also had a coil pack put on each cylinder at least once. When the car was still under warranty the dealer flat-out refused to fix the actual issues with the car because the scheduled maintenance on the car wasnt up to date, yet the salesman never disclosed details about the warranty at time of purchase or provided literature about the warranty. CD player quit working at about 24 months Heater core issues at 30 months. Car needed realignment every 10,000 miles. Tire shop said it was a "Kia" thing. Lots of road noise on the freeway. Windshield always foggy.

• 

  Cheap on gas, high on repairs - 2004 Kia Rio
  By goatgirl - May 27 - 2:16 pm

  This car gets good mileage, 33-41 mpg, but you pay for it in repairs. It is only 5 years old and I have had to replace a wheel bearing, after 3 years, the air intake x2 in 3 years, leaving us stranded both times. Front end feels out of alignment, even after getting alignment, and having new tires balanced. Drivers side wiper arm is stripped, most things are dealer items so spendy. Seat belt on driver side back seat quit working right after the 60,000 warranty ran out. Radiator overflow hose came off twice. Hubby threatens to sell it all the time.

• 

  LOVED THIS LITTLE CAR! - 2008 Kia Rio
  By joy_bell - May 25 - 7:48 pm

  PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO ALL OF THE HORRIBLE REVIEWS ON THIS CAR! Every type of car can have these issues. Honestly, I had my little kia for 3 years, and it never failed me. Even with all of the bad weather that we have up in Wisconsin, it kept going strong for my kids and I. The only issue that I ever had was that the headlights are supposed to be automatic, but if I didnt manually turn them off, sometimes the batter would drain. but that only happened a few times in all the years that I had it. besides that, never had a single issue. I have several friends and family members who also have these cars, and they never have major issues either. great car for a small family.

• 

  Great little gas saver! - 2008 Kia Rio
  By tracyb4 - May 11 - 6:57 pm

  I bought my Kia Rio new, with 28 miles on it, and now have over 60k miles on it. It came with a great warranty and Ive had all scheduled maintenance required to keep the warranty active. I have never had any trouble out of it. The only cons I can mention is that the brakes sound like they are grinding when you first apply them in a damp or wet environment, but after the first application that sound goes away. I have them checked every time I go in for service and they are always ok. The other thing is the fact that the ride is a little noisier than I prefer, but you will find that to be the case with all small cars. I average about 33-35 mpg. Keep up the maintenance, it will last!

• 

  unhappy 2003 rio cinco owner - 2003 Kia Rio
  By abrenner - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car in after totaling a regular rio which I loved. I hate this car it is a gas hog with about 21 miles to the gallon. What I hate more then anything is the exterior quality. You can dent this car by blowing on it. The paint is terrible quality. Please shop carefully, I got ripped off. I payed for what I got.

• 

  5 reasons I returned mine.... - 2002 Kia Rio
  By lizm1 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I drove mine for one full week. 1. After 300 miles, my tires are already squeeking. 2. The car has absolutely NO control in icy or snowy conditions...Ive been slipping and sliding all week. 3. The trunk doesnt close properly. You have to push down precisely in the middle. 4. My insurance company wouldnt insure it because (and I quote) "They fall apart too easily". 5. The "new car smell" is very fishy and gave me a headache. ---I was lucky enough that they tried to pull the "Your Financing Didnt go Through scam". I opted to not try to finance it again and I returned it. Im buying year old Honda instead.

• 

  good cheap car - 2001 Kia Rio
  By cpatriaw - April 13 - 2:00 am

  this car is great for single guy and not suitable for family car.I bought mine on Oct 00 and in Feb 04 ive drove over 60K miles. In 2003 I drove this car from New York to San Jose,California without problem. Things that should be improved from Kia is they need to bigger their second row seat.

• 

  Best Bang For Your Buck - 2010 Kia Rio
  By mikeyt1818 - April 12 - 9:56 pm

  Fun car, sporty and peppy despite 1.6 liter engine. Great features on SX like leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, metal pedals, 16" inch alloys, rear spoiler, sport cloth with red stitches. Very sporty looking!

• 

  Good Commuter Car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Baunie - March 14 - 7:10 am

  This baby gets me back and forth to work with no problems. Takes $20 to fill up. It goes to 0 to 60 in five minutes, but once it is up to speed, it zips around. Just dont expect to get back up to speed if you have to suddenly brake. And dont dart out in front of traffic, you will be sorry. I did not buy it for luxury. I needed a car and this was affordable and has been reliable for the last two years. However, I think I am going to be out of luck on re-sale value.

• 

  Well Worth The Money - 2006 Kia Rio
  By GoldyLockz - March 8 - 10:20 am

  Bought this car in 06, and I have NEVER had a single problem other then replacing an accent bulb. Gas mileage is excellent averaging at about 36 MPG and it being extremely cute doesnt hurt either! Awesome buy for its class! And I personally think the sound quality is great and and the ride is super quiet.